2005 Lincoln Aviator problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (22) · Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate (3) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Lincoln Aviator model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
40 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (29)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 2016-09-21 · SSM 46085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the powertrain control/emissions diagnosis (pc/ed) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (etbs). the etc_act and etc_dsd pids should not used to diagnose possible etb concerns. the ids has a limited refresh rate when reading these pids and cannot display quickly enough to
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal 2009-05-01 · TSB-08-19-3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. oil separation appears to be and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak. *pe
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2006-01-01 · 06513 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
engine misfire with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) pewee, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307, p0308, and p0316. *tt
Tires 2006-01-01 · 0637 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
low tire indicator on - tpms system sensor wake up. *tt
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System 2006-01-01 · 05213 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
malfunction indicator lamp on with pcm diagnostic trouble code p0463 and/or ic diagnostic trouble code b1201 - fuel gauge drops to empty or slow to update after refueling. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling 2005-11-14 · 041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 29 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2020-11-05 · Suspension · 142,600 mi“i was driving on a highway 55 mph when passenger rear toe link failed and i lost control of vehicle. i was able to pull over without crashing. vehicle was repaired at garage nearby.…”
2020-07-10 · Structure:body“a 6 inch crack developed at rear center tailgate body panel made out of plastic below the rear window. there had been reports that the rear window could fall out and internal tailgate components could be damaged due to water entry from the crack. this appears to be a common problem from my research.…”
2020-02-25 · Air Bags · 180,000 mi“driver side air bag deployed with no impact of any kind. car was started and air bag deployed.…”
2019-12-27 · Structure:body · 66,300 mi“rear plastic litigate applique broke off hitting a passenger car's windshield. the windshield cracked. this the third piece failure. the lincoln was traveling west on the dulles greenway.…”
2016-10-17 · Structure:body · 133,400 mi“while parked at the gas station getting ready to pump gas the rear window exploded, glass shattered everywhere, left hinge cracked and frame around liftgate bend and curled up. my rear liftgate has the same cracked as previously reported. i replaced the entire liftgate in 2011 & on the new liftgate the same crack came back…”
2016-09-14 · Structure:body“i have the same cracking problem with the back gate which resulted in the breaking of hinges. also a known defect in using defective parts in the engine such as timing chain cassettes and tensioner. ford knew about the problem and issued an technical bulletin on it but never fixed the problem. the mechanic told me he repaired this very frequently f…”
2015-07-21 · Power Train · 86,000 mi“owner of 2005 lincoln aviator. i was not able to get the gear shift out of park. i had the aviator towed to a family member's automotive garage and was told that i will need to have the entire gear shift replaced. upon doing some research, it seems that this is a very common problem in this year, make, and model. i have read endless testimonies…”
2015-02-24 · Structure:body · 36,000 mi“when purchased used 2 yrs old [xxx], i noticed a crack in the middle of the liftgate. i have owned this vehicle for almost 7yrs and have taken very good care of it, but i now have 3 cracks in the liftgate. it seems to be very thin across the bottom of the back window and every time you open and close the window, it puts stress across the bottom o…”
2015-01-13 · Structure:body · 110,000 mi“i noticed a crack on the back panel of my tailgate. there was no accident or incident and since then i have noticed at least 3 other cars in my small town with the same defect. i have written to ford and gotten no response. from what i have seen on the internet, this is not an isolated problem. i feel that ford/lincoln should recall the affecte…”
2015-01-07 · Air Bags · 88,000 mi“tl-the contact owns a 2005 lincoln aviator. the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag deployed independently onto her face. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 88,000. djr …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.